Austrian Grenzer Troops, 1740-98

During the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War, the Austrian empire's eastern frontiers were guarded against the Turks by a savage and colourful militia. When posted west to join the Austrian field armies as light infantry in conventional campaigns, their exploits were legendary. Notoriously, they captured Frederick the Great's treasure chest at the battle of Hohenfriedburg (1745). The corps included sharpshooters, cavalry scouts, gunners, and crews of armed river boats, all of which are studied here, with attention to uniforms, weaponry and fighting styles. Their colourful costumes - from barbaric Balkan bandit gear to the more formal Austrian Line uniforms - are all described and illustrated.